Who are the Syrian leaders targeted by the new American sanctions?

Syrian President Bashar el-Assad and his wife Asma el-Assad vote in Damascus on June 3, 2014 for the presidential election (illustration image). REUTERS / SANA

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“Anyone who does business with the Assad regime, and wherever it is in the world, faces travel restrictions and financial sanctions. It is in these terms that the head of American diplomacy Mike Pompeo summed up the battery of sanctions that came into force on Wednesday to put pressure on the Syrian government. Many figures in the Damascus regime are already under American or European sanctions, but the Trump administration seems determined to increase the pressure on Syrian leaders accused by Washington of waging a "useless and brutal war" against their own people.

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Those close to Bashar al-Assad are targeted by these new sanctions, starting with Asma, the wife of the Syrian president. According to the US State Department, she is "  one of the most famous war profiteers  " in her country.

Among the 39 names designated by Washington, there is also that of Maher, a brother of the president: he commands one of the main units of the Syrian army, he is also at the heart of the economic networks of the ruling clan.

We target the military network (...) but we also target the economic network ...

Thomas Pierret, specialist in Syria.

Nicolas Falez

Alongside the officers, businessmen and companies targeted by the sanctions, there is also the Fatimids Division, an Iranian brigade present in Syria and made up in particular of Afghan Shiite combatants. Iran, one of the supporters of the Damascus regime, and its regional influence, are therefore more than ever in Washington's crosshairs.

All over the world, individuals and companies who would like to trade with the Syrian personalities or entities on the list are exposed to American sanctions, a massive effect which should worsen the already grim economic situation of Syria, and further distance the prospect of a reconstruction.

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  • Syria
  • Bashar al-Assad
  • United States

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